Page 44 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
He gave me a grin that immediately thawed out my still-cold toes and still had a bit of warmth left over for other areas.
‘So, does that mean you plan on staying then? Xander had said you weren’t sure initially.’
‘No, I wasn’t to start with. I neededto see how George and I settled in but as that seems to have gone pretty well, I think we could be here for some time to come. George has really blossomed since we’ve been here and I don’t want to be someone who keeps moving around. I want George to have stability growing up.’
‘Because you didn’t and you know what that feels like?’
Cal expression turned wary for a moment.
‘Sorry. I told youI miss the Edge of Boundary signs sometimes. Especially when I’ve had a large wine on an empty stomach. And as you bought that for me, technically it’s your fault so you only have yourself to blame.’
The wariness dissipated, replaced by laughter. ‘Of course it is.’
I shrugged and he shook his head.
‘So, is that true?’
‘Man, you don’t give up, do you?’
‘My brother Joe says I must have hadthe word “tenacious” stamped on my bum at birth.’
Cal’s laugh was deep and rich and any last strands of resistance were broken. ‘Maybe next time we can get you two glasses of wine and we can check the accuracy of that statement.’
I balled up my napkin and threw it at him. ‘You definitely have to answer the question now, for that cheeky comment.’
‘I’m kind of distracted at the moment. I’ve actuallyforgotten what the question was!’ His eyes were dancing with mischief.
‘Focus, Martin.’
‘I am.’ He wiggled his eyebrows and this time his own napkin bounced off the side of his head.
‘OK, OK.’ He held up his hands. ‘You win. Yes, I know what it’s like to be shifted from pillar to post. I want George to have as stable a home life as I can give him, in the circumstances.’
‘And?’
Cal held mygaze. ‘I think your brother might actually be right. OK. Yes. I suppose, deep down, there’s something in what you say. Stability can be good. I’d honestly never thought about it before. I guess you just get used to stuff. But having been in the village for nearly a year now …’ Cal gave a head tilt of concession ‘… maybe there’s something to that too.’ He laughed. ‘There. Are you happy now?’
‘I think the more pertinent question is, are you?’
Cal held up his hands. ‘Oh no. The deal was one question,’ he said, laughing. His eyes slid to the weather outside the window and, still smiling, he picked up his phone and pressed a couple of times on the screen. ‘Besides, I think we need to make a move. There’s some heavier weather coming in across the country and although they’re saying theroads are clear at the moment, I don’t want to risk leaving it too long.’
He reached back into his coat hanging on the chair behind him and pulled out his wallet.
‘I’m paying half of that,’ I said, pointing at the bill with one hand as I dug into my pocket with the other.
‘No, you’re not. I already told you, I’m paying as a thank you to you for giving up your day off to help me out.’
‘ButI enjoyed it so it was hardly a chore.’
Cal shrugged and tucked a couple of notes inside the little wallet the bill had arrived in and shut it again. My gaze drifted to it.
‘Don’t even think about it.’ Cal grinned at me.
I looked up.
‘And don’t give me that innocent look either. I know you were thinking of swapping some of my money for yours.’
I emphasised the innocent look, widening my eyes,and he laughed.
